When and How to Write an Effective RFQ for Infrastructure Procurement
Reading Time: 30 minutes
Authors: Brent Westergren, Karl Hoesch, Adriana Hayes
Contributors: Rebecca Graffy
The firms governments select today shape the projects communities receive tomorrow. Choosing the right procurement approach, and writing a clear, well-designed solicitation, is one of the most effective ways to improve infrastructure delivery.
A Request for Qualifications (RFQ) focuses first on identifying the most qualified firm, and asking respondents to document their relevant experience, technical expertise, and capacity to perform the work, before negotiating scope and price. RFQs are especially well-suited for professional services and complex infrastructure projects where qualifications—not cost alone—are the best predictor of successful delivery.
This resource suite includes:
- Choosing the Right Tool: When to Use a Request for Qualifications (RFQ) for Infrastructure Procurement, a quick read covering what RFQs are, how they differ from RFPs and IFBs, and five common scenarios where an RFQ is the most effective procurement approach.
- RFQ Decision Tree, a visual guide that helps project teams quickly determine whether an RFQ is the right fit for their project conditions, legal context, and procurement goals.
- RFQ Template, a customizable, full-length solicitation template designed to help governments write clear, organized, and inviting RFQs that communicate project needs, establish fair evaluation criteria, and support a structured selection process.
Accompanying RFQ template response workbook, coming soon.
RFQ Template (.pdf) RFQ Template (.docx)
Together, these resources help government staff determine when to use an RFQ and how to write one effectively.